canary bird

• Expresión coloquial y desusada para referirse a un cantante, especialmente una vocalista, o a un preso. El término proviene del color amarillo brillante de los canarios, asociado con su plumaje y, en la jerga criminal, con el uniforme penitenciario o con los delatores.

An old-fashioned slang term for a singer, especially a female vocalist, or a jailbird (prisoner). The term originates from the bright yellow color of canaries, which was associated with the yellow plumage of the bird and, in criminal slang, with prison uniforms or informants.

1. Small songbirdA2formal

   A small, bright yellow songbird native to the Canary Islands, often kept as a pet.

   Canario

   • The canary bird sang beautifully in its cage.
   • She bought a canary bird for her grandmother.
   • Canary birds are known for their cheerful chirping.

2. Mining canary (historical)B2formal

   A canary bird used historically in coal mines to detect toxic gases; if the bird died, miners knew to evacuate.

   Canario de mina

   • Miners used a canary bird as an early warning system for gas leaks.
   • The canary bird stopped singing, signaling danger.
   • The phrase 'canary in a coal mine' comes from this practice.